| Greetings Guest, welcome to Mind'sgate: Path to Valhalla, the eternal staircase to worlds beyond our own. Haven of roleplayers from across the globe, and a sanctuary for writers of many forms. New members must first pass through a filtration process before they will be approved to post. This is simply a security feature to insure the safety and happiness of our community. Currently Admin validation and email validation will be required, after that has been finished, look to the Players section for information about further application and classification. All members new and old have access to the c-box located at the bottom of every page. We sincerely hope you enjoy your stay in our domain, -Mind'sgate Staff |
| Curse Divide; DarkAngel013 & Seiss | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 12 2009, 02:21 AM (8,400 Views) | |
| DarkAngel013 | Sep 25 2009, 11:49 PM Post #371 |
|
Sleepy Inspiration
|
“The passage through the tunnel will take a day and a half. I don’t think I’ve rested enough to go through it. It’s dark and we’d most likely get lost for a few times. I want to have enough energy to go through the tunnel without camping inside.” She glared. She... didn't want to spend time here further. He had just told her last night it was going to be a day trip, not a day and a half! She huffed as she listened to the rest of his statement. She didn't reply but jumped off the horse silently, without help from Shura as she unmounted the horse of its saddle so it can rest further still. She glared at the ground and now refused to look at him as she began to fiddle with her hair. “I’m sorry, my Lady,” he said quietly. “I’m still tired. I will not take you through the tunnel unless I can ensure you your safety.” "Fine, whatever," she snapped as she disappeared from where she stood and ended up high in the tree. He could still see her, but it wasn't as if he could easily go up and reach her as she had settled herself into a thick looking area of a tree where it was rather difficult to reach. She settled herself on the branches until she had gotten comfortable. The tree branches seemed to curl around her as a chair of some sort formed around her. Then, as she leaned back, she pulled out of the air some water as it condensates in her hand. She began to play with it, until she realized she was starting to doze off. She wondered mildly if Shura even cared about her feelings when she paused. He did, to an extent. Because, it seems, he didn't care that she was suffering emotionally. Eve rested nearby, on a tree branch as her talons sunk into the branches as she settled herself to sleep. The water rained from her fingers as she fell asleep. A light breeze blew through her hair and dress... She wasn't supposed to fall asleep, she knew that. Sayuri knew that if she did, she'd only end up with nightmares. For about an hour or more of sleeping in the tree, did she start dreaming of that nightmare again. The man came, and began to rip away her loved ones. Literally. She starts screaming, only to find that she can't as she watches mutely their deaths. And then, he starts to come to her... his eyes blazing... The next thing she knew, she was falling, screaming as if she felt his very fingers inside of her torso... |
|
^Clicketh on thy picture. =] Call me Niko-chan~ ![]() ![]()
| |
![]() |
|
| Seiss | Sep 27 2009, 07:23 PM Post #372 |
|
Tcaitacl and vlaliniy Pcrik.
|
He sat with his knees raised, feet on the ground, reclined and supported by his arms. He didn’t move or respond to her biting tone. Neither did he seem concerned at all when she climbed a tree. It was a good change, somewhat. At least, he should consider it good. The Mage would be better off avoiding him or hate him altogether. While it unsettled him to think like that, Shura resisted the temptation. It wasn’t worth the trouble in the end. His chest heaved from a silent sigh. Never mind the wet grass. Shura laid back and draped an arm across his eyes to block out daylight from his view. The morning air was thankfully cool. It didn’t help to soothe the acidic burn he was trying to ignore inside him, but at least it was something nice, something he could indulge in fully. There was a bird chirping, somewhere above and the rustling of leaves in the background. He dreamt of the wind whispering past his ears, invisible caresses through his mane and the lift of air under his wings. Until a scream wrenched and jarred him from his sleep. His eyes widened when he saw the Mage falling from above. Thankfully, he was already positioned roughly beneath her. Shura didn’t doubt that she would fall hard on the ground if he wasn’t already there. Hurriedly, he lurched and sat up, tucking his legs underneath him and pushing up. He reached forward with his arms and caught her, nearly falling forward himself. His breaths were coming in hastened huffs and his body was left suddenly cold, then warm when relief hit. Shura stared at the Mage in his arms, shocked to the bone from her fall. He wanted to yell at her, reprimand her for her silly, costly actions, but then the fear in her eyes made the insides of his chest twist. There were tears running down her face too. What am I to do with you? He clenched his teeth and shut his eyes, rolling back on the ball of his feet to sit on his bottom. As his breathing calmed, he opened his eyes and stared ahead. What was the point of getting mad at her now? She would make him feel guilty later…. Wordlessly, he shifted his arm beneath her knees to let her sit in his lap. He held her head to his shoulder while his other arm around hers tightened protectively. “You’re safe… it’s fine now. It’s alright,” he murmured, assuring them both from the fright earlier. |
|
问世间情为何物,直教生死相许? 天南地北双飞客,老翅几回寒暑。 欢乐趣,别离苦,就中更有痴儿女。 君应有语,渺万里层云, 千山暮雪,只影向谁去? 横汾路,寂寞当年箫鼓,荒烟依旧平楚。 招魂楚些何嗟及,山鬼暗啼风雨。 天也妒,未信与,莺儿燕子俱黄土。 千秋万古,为留待骚人, 狂歌痛饮,来访雁邱处。 | |
![]() |
|
| DarkAngel013 | Sep 27 2009, 08:07 PM Post #373 |
|
Sleepy Inspiration
|
“You’re safe… it’s fine now. It’s alright,” he murmured. "Shura!" she exclaimed. Then her arms squeezed tightly around his torso, crying. Relief had flooded her deeply, that she was crying harder. She was alive, she wasn't dying... with her insides being taken out by that man. Over and over again, she only kept mumbling Shura's name as she cried. "I... I thought..." her broken words were only interrupted through her sobs. "You're real, you're real, you're real..." she mumbled, telling herself that he was not a dream, that he wasn't a hallucination that her mind might be creating to soothe her. Eventually, the relief of feeling safe and comforted by his words, soothed her until she began to loll to sleep. The warmth from his body soothed her shaken body and she eventually fall asleep, peacefully. His steady heartbeat had calmed her down as well to the point where she did fall asleep. Then, she was dreaming. It wasn't dark, nor was it evil. It was actually peaceful and calm as she sat on the sands of what appears to be a beach. She blinked and looked around. When she turned to face the person next to her, she realized it was Shura. He smiled at her, but said nothing when Sayuri held a question on her face. But then, he drifted away. Then the dream shifted and she was somewhere much darker. It was with that mirror again. She found herself looking at the same girl she has been for the past few days. "Who are you?" The girl only smiled. Then the dream faded... and Sayuri found herself waking up in Shura's arms still. It was nighttime now, and she looked around. They were still in the same camp and had been sleeping peacefully under the tree where she fell. Why was it that she had no nightmares when she slept with Shura? ... The very sentence caused her to blush. Quietly, she yawned and resettled herself and then found herself asleep again... |
|
^Clicketh on thy picture. =] Call me Niko-chan~ ![]() ![]()
| |
![]() |
|
| Seiss | Oct 17 2009, 05:27 AM Post #374 |
|
Tcaitacl and vlaliniy Pcrik.
|
He woke before dawn, pleased to find that she had slept the day and night away. His back was a little stiff and sore, but otherwise, he was perfectly content to sit there, with the mage slumbering in his arms, peaceful as an innocent angel. After a moment of stillness, he moved, elaborately slow and careful, as he laid her onto her own sleeping mat. He pulled the blanket over her and tucked it under her chin, rocking back onto his bottom once he was satisfied that she was comfortable. Yawning, he stretched and arched his back, loosening the knots in his muscles. They had not unpacked after his little deceiving incident to make her stay for another day, so all he was left with was to roll up his own sleeping mat and bind it to the saddle of his (stolen) horse. The entire day and a night without food didn’t bother his stomach too much, but he was hungry and he didn’t doubt Sayuri would be too, when she woke. He pulled out their dried bread and jerky from the saddle bag and fed himself some, leaving a generous piece of each by her side. Shura had wanted to step out of the trees, to feel the sun’s warmth on his skin, but he didn’t dare to leave their small clearing. After all the heart wrenching experiences he’d had with her, he didn’t trust the mage or himself to keep her safe. Maybe he was developing paranoia…. Heaving a sigh, he cast the sleeping mage a brief glance, he turned his back to her and peered through the trees to watch the fiery glow of morning sun spill onto the earth. -------------------------- They had been travelling for days now, with Tryst constantly hurrying them through. After she had first taken the drug she brewed, it took an hour for it to drown her in a searing fever. Seryel had clutched weakly onto Tryst when the effect of the drug first hit her. Her insides were twisting so painfully, cold, yet burning. She wondered why she didn’t suffer from any internal bleeding yet. She had clenched her teeth stubbornly, resolutely, to lock the whimpers of pain threatening to escape her throat and concentrated all her strength to hold on to Tryst’s waist. It was disconcerting, to find that the normalcy of the action took so much energy out of her. Her muscles felt as if they had turned to mush, heavy with cold metallic pins under her skin. She endured the ride without a single sound of complaint. The fever that came later, however, was too much. She had simply collapsed against his chest, her arms dropping at his hips. It was a strange experience, knowing that she was somewhat conscious but lacking in control in her limbs and completely lost her will. Everything was shrouded in a hot haze, choking. After that, she had adamantly refused to take the drug before night arrived and they stop for a rest. It wasn’t worth it… wasn’t worth the heartache. She would suffer in the night, when he would be asleep- when he wouldn’t see. While she thought her plan was perfect, Seryel couldn’t help the nagging voice at the back of her mind that whispered to her that Tryst knew. She couldn’t fool him… but she could fool herself, couldn’t she? If he noticed at all, the nights when she would slip out carefully from his arms to curl up on the far end of the sleeping mat that they shared, he didn’t show it. Or perhaps he did, but she was too occupied with her own pain to notice. In the morning, she would find herself tucked in his arms again, with the memory of the burning fever in the night. She would smile, like nothing happened and greet him cheerfully as she always had. Resee had taken the position of a night sentinel in their group. Sleep was undesirable for her. The toxin in her system would paralyze her if she remained too still. Her blood would feel like solidifying rubber sap. As a result, she was always aware when the pale healer would wake and shift away from her loving husband. It made her feel guilty. At the same time, she was starting to hate the Captain of the Rune Knights. The man was foolish to involve innocent citizens. Jegan was becoming more of a pest as well. He wouldn’t stop pestering her about her own wellbeing. He was always, always asking if she was alright, why she was always fatigued and if she was ill. Resee was getting tired of nodding and shaking her head in response to his queries. After all, the time when she could ever get any sleep was when they were riding. Jegan was quite a sound sleeper, so he had all the energy he needed and more to fuss over her. Like now… early in the damned morning. “You didn’t eat much of your breakfast… are you sure you are alright?” his familiar voice was expected, as if she could time when he would start talking. “You’ve been looking pale.” She sighed in both exhaustion and frustration and gave him a halfhearted, derisive glare. “I’m full and I’m fine,” she muttered irritably, rising from her seat and packing the few things into her saddlebag. Though, she did it to avoid him and his questions. Seryel laughed silently, hiding her smile behind the piece of bread she was nibbling on. She had to admit, Jegan was sounding a little like a nag. |
|
问世间情为何物,直教生死相许? 天南地北双飞客,老翅几回寒暑。 欢乐趣,别离苦,就中更有痴儿女。 君应有语,渺万里层云, 千山暮雪,只影向谁去? 横汾路,寂寞当年箫鼓,荒烟依旧平楚。 招魂楚些何嗟及,山鬼暗啼风雨。 天也妒,未信与,莺儿燕子俱黄土。 千秋万古,为留待骚人, 狂歌痛饮,来访雁邱处。 | |
![]() |
|
| DarkAngel013 | Dec 6 2009, 06:59 PM Post #375 |
|
Sleepy Inspiration
|
(( haha, I think it's good of him to develop some paranoia. ._.;; Maybe. -.- I dunno. )) Sayuri hadn't realized that the decision last night to continue sleeping in Shura's arms would leave her having a dream of him in it. It had been so warm that she had felt at peace and for some reason, she wasn't really all that surprised to find him in her dream. He was sitting with her on the ground of a meadow, a very beautiful flowery meadow that left her breathless. Wherever they were, it was so calming and peaceful, she couldn't figure out what had been the problem before. With Shura there, she noticed that he stood out more than the bright and cheerful flowers in the field. His black hair blew in the wind and she couldn't... see his face. She didn't understand why but she began to make out his facial outlines and those golden eyes that she had come to... "Shura...?" She watched... or rather, knew that his eyes glanced up from the flowers he was holding to look at her. Then, behind him, she noticed waterfall with a lake and walked over, feeling the wind push her hair away from her face as she walked toward it. She was startled to see that she appeared... different. Although how, she couldn't see it clear enough. She had appeared more grown up, more mature. From what? What did she "grow up" from to make her appear that way? When she looked away, and then back towards her reflection, she found that it was the same brown haired, blue eyed girl from before. "Why are you here?" she asked the reflection. The girl in the reflection only replied, "Everything you have might disappear soon." And then she smiled for a moment before gesturing towards Shura. Sayuri turned to find that Shura stood behind her, as if holding her then from falling. She looked behind her again to find that the waterfall and lake disappeared and in its place, was an endless pit over a cliff. ---- Outside of her dreaming, her form moved a little bit, as if trying to get more comfortable. Her face appeared troubled... ---- "Shura? What's going on?" she asked him. He said nothing, but she slowly felt his hand release her and she gripped him tightly. "Don't let me go, please don't, Shura!" She found herself falling and saw droplets as she fell. She realized that it was her tears. They're all going to leave me, eventually, aren't they? ---- She woke up with a start, sitting up as she clung to the blanket as if for dear life. Her eyes were wet when she reached up to touch them. Quickly, she wiped them away to find food placed beside her. She noted that she was no longer in his arms and picked up the food to nibble on. She wasn't hungry, but she knew she needed her energy for later. Was Shura releasing her in her dream a meaning of something that was going to happen later? She knew and understood the trauma she had of her caretakers dying, her other loved ones dying, and even her pets gone. The trauma of that man being still alive and why Rania's King had done nothing to get rid of him. But, somewhere inside of her, she felt that he was kept alive for a reason... just like the King seemed to know something. She hadn't realized that she had fallen deep into thought was staring blankly at the edge of the mat. She nibbled slowly as she zoned out for something she began to remember: "Why does she have red hair and red eyes?!" a woman whispered to another. "No one has red hair and red eyes like she does! I've heard of the red hair and such, but red eyes?!" "She's a demon, I tell you, a demon! And she's going to kill us all, just like she did back then!" "Girls! Shut it!" The conversation ended then, but Sayuri then began to wonder why she had ruby colored eyes and maroon hair. And why did she have the ability to suddenly heal when she got hurt. And why she was able to sometimes hear others' thoughts. And why she was able to... She had finished eating her food. What did the people of her court know about her that she did not? Perhaps... ------------- Tryst did not expect her to slump against him so suddenly during their travels. He felt her body temperature from the "medicine" she made. Even before then, he had already felt her clutching to him for tightly, but weakly, he sensed. It hurt him to see her in pain, but it was to counter-act the poison that those men had put into her earlier. He could feel her bearing the pain so that she would not burden him... but he sensed it anyway. When they finally had stopped to rest for that night and in the morning, she had refused to take the medicine while they were on the ride. He silently obeyed, not saying another word on the matter. He had an idea as to what she was going to do. He was right. Tryst opened his eyes slowly to watch mutely as she took the medicine and writhed in pain from it through the night. He never showed anything toward her to let her know that he was aware of what she was doing. Only when he was sure she had fallen asleep, he would pull her back into his arms, as if hoping that his embrace while she slept would comfort her and himself from watching helplessly from the sidelines. He had taken turns with Resee during the night sometimes, only to fall asleep faster than she had... but, he did give her some company. “You didn’t eat much of your breakfast… are you sure you are alright?” his familiar voice was expected, as if she could time when he would start talking. “You’ve been looking pale.” Tryst turned his attention from the packing of their sleeping mats on to the sides of the horses to Jegan's voice. He turned away just as he observed Resee make a half-hearted glare Jegan's way. “I’m full and I’m fine,” she muttered irritably, rising from her seat and packing the few things into her saddlebag. Although, her condition was worrying, Tryst knew that the female knight probably didn't want to bother any further than they were. When he finished tying a knot, he noticed that Resee was a bit of ways away, packing her things into her saddlebag. He wasn't going to comment or ask something that Jegan had every day so he only gave a glance before finishing his packing and Seryel's. Tryst walked over to Seryel, his smile unfaltering as he noticed her silent smile behind her bread. As he helped her up, he said to Jegan, "I think it'd be wise to stop nagging Resee, least she might smack you the next time you ask her." They were going to start traveling now, in the morning to hurry and get along. How many more hours was it that Seryel had left? His heart ached and he told himself not to worry too much, or else he's going to keel over from worrying. Then again, he had been at one point, working himself harshly to the bone for training, for working, for building their inn. Working or training had made him temporarily forget the helplessness that he sometimes felt. Right now, he would like nothing more than to keep traveling to the mountains to get the twin horned serpent, as rare as they are. They had traveled further than he had planned, but he wanted to get there sooner. When they all had mounted and Seryel had gotten comfortable in sitting in front of him, immediately, he made the horse take off in a run towards the mountains. Only two more days until they get there… |
|
^Clicketh on thy picture. =] Call me Niko-chan~ ![]() ![]()
| |
![]() |
|
| Seiss | Jan 15 2010, 02:05 AM Post #376 |
|
Tcaitacl and vlaliniy Pcrik.
|
He had secured her horse to his with a good length of rope, before heeling his horse through the hidden path obscured by the undergrowth. Shura was careful to conceal their tracks. Where hoof prints were visible, he beat them clear with tree branches. He didn’t bother much with the undergrowth, though. It hid the opening of a cave, or what appeared to be a cave. Anyone who chanced upon it shouldn’t find it surprising. After all, bears do take shelter in caves. There was a narrow crevice, at the end. The slanted wall behind it gave it the false appearance of a dead end. It was just wide enough for a single horse to pass through. The bend that came not a few paces after made it even harder to navigate. They had to urge their horses on, squeezing through the narrow passage. Their legs were pressed against horse belly and rough cave walls. Shura had to hunch and stoop to prevent his head from scrapping the ceiling. The mage appeared to be doing much better. The deeper they went, the darker it became, till it was pitch black. His eyes were sharp, but without light, it was as good as seeing nothing but smudges of black and gray. Thankfully, there were walls to guide them. He knew it wouldn’t be long till the passage widened to a cavern, there lay four paths. Shura already knew with one to choose. Memories of long ago seemed bright and clear as yesterday’s. Through the twists and turns in blackness, they finally emerged from another narrow cleft. The sun had already gone, and the moon was high up in the sky. His eyes adjusted quickly to the night, grateful that it wasn’t daylight. The trees that stood before them were dense and thin, trunks tipping to one side as if the wind had blown at them in the same direction for too long. High thickets obstructed their exit. He would have to cut some of them down if they were to get through. Nudging his horse to the side to give room to the mage, he turned and faced her. “The village of Enfram is just below this hill, a few miles off the foot.” This is where Mirai is.... “It shouldn’t take long to reach it and find an inn.” Then he frowned. “You might want to be more careful. It may be a village, but this is the village of runes.” He drew his blade and began hacking down the thicket, cutting out a path for them. They rode faster this time, since the horses had been walking through the tunnels for an entire day. It was difficult to make any faster progress, however, due to the clustered trees and rocky grounds. From afar, the Enfram was quite large, big enough to be a town. Farm fields stretched wide and far from either side of the dirt road. The outskirts had scattered farms. The closer it was to the heart of the village, the more packed the buildings were. While most of them were of bricks and wood, there were several buildings, distinguished by stone walls of lavender-gray. These buildings were taller than the rest as well. Their roofs were of spiralling spires, long, lean, sharp and every edge was spiked with curling spines. The faint lamps that lit the long windows were far brighter than those hung by the streets. Shura lead them quietly through. There were few people about. Most had already returned home to their beds. They passed one inn called the Stone Cup and stopped at the second, Belve’s Crown. He rapped the door loudly, till the door burst open to reveal a grumbling a plump balding man. “What in the name of Asr are you doing, rattling ma’ door this late at night?” he demanded. When his gray eyes met Shura’s, he stared, blinking slowly. “Shura?” A jovial grin stretched across his face. “Why didn’t ye say so? Looking for a place to stay, eh? Come, come.” “Good to see you well, too, Damin,” Shura greeted with a fond smile. He stepped in when the innkeeper swung the door wide open. The inn was clean and neat. There were no guests in the common room, though he guessed they had probably gone to their rooms. “Can you prepare 2 rooms for us? And perhaps a meal?” This time, he cast a sideway glance at Sayuri, seeking her preference. “You brought a lady, eh? “ Damin studied the mage carefully. If he found her eyes and hair odd, the innkeeper revealed none of it. “An errand I have to share with Lady Sayuri, Damin,” Shura told the innkeeper smoothly. Giving himself a sharp shake, the innkeeper bowed to the mage. “Ah, welcome to Enfram, my lady.” _________________________________________ She stood at the edge of the trees, gazing out at the extensive field- open field they would have to ride through. A slight crease touched her brow. The moon was a thick white bow in the sky. The dim light that it shone onto the field below made the grass look like liquid wax. The others should be asleep in the small clearing they made camp.There was still a long way to go, despite how hard they pressed on. The horses wouldn’t be able to take it if they continue at their current pace. It would take at least a four days ride to reach Enfram. This does not bode well for the healer.... Resee was in no better condition, she knew. She was almost always thirsty and fatigued. Aside from Jegan, the others didn’t question her much. They knew she never slept at night. She lifted a hand and rested it on her chest, feeling the slight strain and jerk whenever she breathed in. It was getting difficult, like her lungs were shoving against some heavy burden. She bruised easily as well- too easily, but none could see that under her clothes. After so long, Resee had hoped she could find answers to what she should do. Without Keira, this was like walking without aim. She pressed her lips in a thin line and a fire entered her eyes as she glared up the sky. Hate. She hated the Captain of Rune Knights. Her hand curled into a fist at her chest. But the fire flickered and died. What good would it do to hate, or harm him? A faint rustle behind shook her from her bleak thoughts. The young healer was suffering again, like the nights before, every time, an hour after she downed the temporary cure. Resee didn’t move. There was no point in going back to see her. She had nothing that could help. Rolling painstakingly away from Tryst, Seryel curled up on her side and pressed her cheek into the mat. Her lips were pressed pale to keep any noise locked in her throat. It was getting easier with each night, but the pain was as crippling as ever. The stinging burn reminded her of someone slashing her stomach open and later shredding her insides with a blunt and careless tool. Pikes were driven through either side of her waist and her lungs were trapped in a space too small. Jegan, who merely had his eyes shut, was aware like the others of Seryel’s sufferings. But he never said a word. She was quiet, yes, but not quiet enough to hide it from any of them. Edited by Seiss, Jan 24 2010, 08:10 AM.
|
|
问世间情为何物,直教生死相许? 天南地北双飞客,老翅几回寒暑。 欢乐趣,别离苦,就中更有痴儿女。 君应有语,渺万里层云, 千山暮雪,只影向谁去? 横汾路,寂寞当年箫鼓,荒烟依旧平楚。 招魂楚些何嗟及,山鬼暗啼风雨。 天也妒,未信与,莺儿燕子俱黄土。 千秋万古,为留待骚人, 狂歌痛饮,来访雁邱处。 | |
![]() |
|
| DarkAngel013 | Feb 9 2010, 12:51 AM Post #377 |
|
Sleepy Inspiration
|
Sayuri watched silently as he took hold of her horse's reins and tied them to his own and just looked around at her settings. The cave was surprising, she hadn't been expecting to see one in this area, but she flinched. She felt some magic running out of the cave. It was very faint though, but she felt it clearly. Wherever they were going, it was filled with magic. When they entered the cave and began to walk along the part of the passage where she noticed that Shura had to hunch over in order to avoid hitting his head against the ceiling, she found that of her short stature, she had no problem at all and was almost glad that she was small. She didn't like her small stature sometimes, due to the fact it all ends up regarding her age, making her seem to be younger than she actually is. Eve followed close by, until they entered the cave, and sat gently on the shoulder of Sayuri. Lancelot was fast asleep... as per the usual. Her eyes instantly adjusted to the darkness, observing the stones, noting to herself the drawings... and the cave as the horses continued to follow Shura. They were uncomfortable, but she comforted the horses by whispering to them, soothing their nerves in the narrow space. When they came to the cavern where it split into four different directions, she turned to watch Shura's reaction and observed his certainty when he choose a path and began to lead her through. As they came closer and closer to the exit of the cave, she felt the magic energies growing stronger and stronger, making her feel more powerful and in tune with her magic more than ever. Where were they going? They came to the exit of the cave, covered by a thicket of trees. She nudged her horse forward when he gave room for her. For the first time since they entered the cave, Shura spoke up, surprising her, “The village of Enfram is just below this hill, a few miles off the foot. It shouldn’t take long to reach it and find an inn.” Then he frowned. “You might want to be more careful. It may be a village, but this is the village of runes.” She winced when she felt her back burn and her forehead, which she reflexively reached up to touch. Nearby, she felt two buildings with active... runes, she's assuming as it's their magic here, and several other places just like this cave with active magic. "I understand," she murmured, rubbing her forehead. He began to cut a way through the thicket, and soon, she found themselves entering a beautiful town, to her anyway, and found herself admiring the structure of the buildings. It appeared... different from Rania's towns and what she had seen of Tenarin's capital town. It was late, and there were very few people out and about. Perhaps it was for the best that they had come here at night, it was less of a chance for people to see her. Thankfully, her hood was up, so they didn't see her. They went past the first inn and continued on until they came to the second inn, where a rather plump, but balding man stood to open the door. She got off the horse during their exchange, causing the hood of her cloak to fall off, revealing her red hair and ruby eyes in a flash of the light coming from the inn. She walked on after Shura when he cast a glance her way about two rooms and a meal, which she hesitated before nodding slowly. She was unsure of this new place, uncertain to how the innkeeper would take to her. She hoped it wouldn't become the same situation as it did the last time with Tryst and Seryel. When she realized he was studying her, she winced reflexively, feeling as if she was being evaluated. Shura smoothly answered the question that the innkeeper, Damin, conveyed, causing her to blush magenta at the implications. Since it cleared itself up, the innkeeper bowed, “Ah, welcome to Enfram, my lady.” "The pleasure is all mine, innkeeper Damin," she said softly, bowing slightly in return before following on after Shura. She looked around the neat lobby, with the lounge area clear of people and basically anyone around. However, when she walked further into the room, she felt calmer and more at ease than earlier, but tensed again as she felt more acutely aware of the magic around her, despite how far off they might be. She closed her eyes for a moment as if trying to pinpoint where her body feels so tense. "Shura... where's all that magic coming from... I mean, the active runes?" she asked, turning towards him. Suddenly, she felt uneasy and restless, with her fingers suddenly itching to do something. Eve was resting on her gloved arm, her other hand absently stroking the bird's feathers. -------- Tryst was in pain. Well, mentally. He couldn't bear to hear her pain, to know that she was suffering. It hurt him too and it's been so long... since he felt like he actually heard what she sounded like resting peacefully asleep for long, long periods of time at night. To try to ease himself of the pain of hearing her suffer, he tried to think of a plan that would get them faster to Enfram, at least... it was four days from here and at the rate they were going with the horses, they were going to have exchange the horses soon just to keep up the pace. They already had cut down a whole two day's journey from what may have been a week journey, but they still had four days to go. Mildly, he wondered if Lady Sayuri would have been able to save her from the poison. Mages were well known miracle healers, better than the ones they have in Tenarin... but, he wasn't sure. Would it work should they be unable to find the cure for Seryel? Ugh, even the slightest idea of not succeeding cut him like a knife through his heart. He waited out until she had stopped suffering and finally fell asleep. Again, he pulled her close to his chest, as if again hoping that would ease her pain. He was also aware of the strange suffering that Resee seemed to have as well. He could hear strange breathing patterns at night, when only Resee and he were awake, but he knew she would not know that. Was she poisoned as well? Tryst was going to get to Enfram in three days time, meaning that the next town that they come to, they'll have to exchange horses and press on again. The sooner that they save Seryel, the sooner that she can take a look at Resee, whom he was beginning to worry about. |
|
^Clicketh on thy picture. =] Call me Niko-chan~ ![]() ![]()
| |
![]() |
|
| Seiss | Feb 10 2010, 11:15 AM Post #378 |
|
Tcaitacl and vlaliniy Pcrik.
|
The innkeeper turned and waved to a serving maid at the counter, telling her to wake the stable hand for him to tend to the horses. He handed them each a key to their rooms. “The rooms are across each other. I hope you approve of the arrangement?” His head tilted slightly in question. “If not there are other rooms available. You know we don’t have many visitors here, only familiar faces, a few strangers....” Strangers indeed. There were few who could visit Enfram, but the few had seen were the bizarre sort. Lady Sayuri, despite her striking hair and eyes didn’t surprise him much. Unique and odd, true, but there were many strange people he had met before. She appeared outlandish, though. A foreigner, perhaps? The king didn’t approve of foreigners, however, so it was unlikely. Shura nodded gratefully. “That sounds fine.” “Very well. Supper will be brought to your rooms when you’re comfortable,” he said, and inclined his head towards the mage. Pleased, Damin smiled warmly and strode past them to meet the stable hand at the door. He was already giving instructions to untie the travelling bags and carrying them up to their respective rooms. Shura lead them up the stairs and through the quiet corridors. There were a few lamps lit and hung up on the walls. No wind blew through, but the night was cooling. Open windows at the end of each corridor ensured that. He paused when he heard her speak. "Shura... where's all that magic coming from... I mean, the active runes?" she asked, turning towards him. He studied her for a moment, a little surprised that she could sense runes working in the village. “Enfram is nestled in a valley of caves full of runic carvings. Some, the scholars say are simply records, while others can work if it has been properly triggered. There used to be a city here, with houses built into the valley walls. There’re many ruins around with active runes. There are two buildings in the village which accommodates scholars and researchers. You can always expect to find runes active.” Then he reached over and opened the door for her. “Sleep well, Lady Sayuri. Try not to use magic here. It has been a long day. I will stock up on our supplies tomorrow.” He turned to disappear into his own room and the silence of the night enveloped the inn. Not far, within a cottage close to one of the stone building with spiralling roofs, a woman in her white nightgown raised her head. She was seated at a wide table, with two lamps shedding light onto the slips of paper spread across the wood. A piece of rune engraved stone resting on a neat pile of papers was throbbing with a faint light. She frowned at it. The stone never did that before. Somewhere in the darkness of the valley tilted trees, a dark creature tottered noisily about. It breathed heavily, acrid breath mingling with the moist air. The smell of blood was strong. Edited by Seiss, Feb 10 2010, 11:16 AM.
|
|
问世间情为何物,直教生死相许? 天南地北双飞客,老翅几回寒暑。 欢乐趣,别离苦,就中更有痴儿女。 君应有语,渺万里层云, 千山暮雪,只影向谁去? 横汾路,寂寞当年箫鼓,荒烟依旧平楚。 招魂楚些何嗟及,山鬼暗啼风雨。 天也妒,未信与,莺儿燕子俱黄土。 千秋万古,为留待骚人, 狂歌痛饮,来访雁邱处。 | |
![]() |
|
| DarkAngel013 | Feb 11 2010, 01:23 AM Post #379 |
|
Sleepy Inspiration
|
Rooms across from each other? That doesn't sound too bad. A meal that will be sent up later sounds... comforting. Suddenly, she felt sore and tired after sleeping outside. How long was it since they traveled outside and had left the company of Tryst and Seryel? Mildly, she wondered how they were and she hoped that they were all right. She listened to Shura's explanation to the question she asked and began to mull it over. She felt prickly and sharp and too aware of the magic this place had, be it active or not. For a moment, she wondered if she could ask Shura but decided not to. She didn't want to blow their cover again here, but from the way that the innkeeper looked at her, it told her that they rarely actually get visitors to enter the town. Eve ruffled her feathers, as if she felt the energies only too well. Sayuri continued to stroke her feathers, continuing to listen. When he finished, she looked up with an almost thoughtful expression but was interrupted by what she was going to say when he opened her door and bid her a good night and a warning. No magic? She nodded mutely and whispered a soft good night before entering the bedroom and shutting the door behind her. She was distracted with this place full of magic and feelings that seemed to overwhelm her. She leaned heavily against the door, holding her chest as she coughed a little bit. Relieved to find that there was no blood, it told her that the magic and the medicine that Tryst had prepared was working as she took one of the vials and drank it down with water. With a high acuity of awareness, she suddenly felt every single entrance of the caves with the runes inside them, active and not active. She sat down on the bed and closed her eyes, even feeling the locations of the buildings... along with several other things that she wasn't sure of what they were. "Perhaps it's best for you to try to rest instead of trying to find out the source of your unease... but why didn't you tell him about it?" Eve asked, her head tilting as if to reinforce the question. "Because if I do, I feel like something bad is going to happen," she mumbled, changing out of her travelings clothes and into her sleeping wear. Learning from mistake not to wear that silk gown again while with Shura, she donned a shirt that may have been a size too big with short pants. Yawning, she crawled into bed... and as she got herself in a more comfortable position, she looked at the red moving marks on her arms and felt the slight tingle of a burn on her back. Her forehead itched with the energy swirling here... Unable to find sleep, she sat up in bed and decided to sit in the middle of her bedroom. "Mistress, what are you doing...?" she asked warily. "I need to do something about my... reserves... it's bothering me to no end." Sayuri pulled out her staff from the other dimension and at the jewel of the staff, she focused all of her excess magical energy into it, until she felt relieved of the excess magic. "I know I told him no magic, but that's the last time I'll be... doing anything sort of magical. Everything else I do now is all... what my body feels." She stored her staff away before she began to cough again. Mildly, she wonders if Shura could hear from across the hall... "Rest, now," Eve ordered sternly. "Yes..." And within moments, she fell asleep. * * * Morning came as soon as her eyes shut. Sayuri supposed that actually putting her extra energy of magic into the staff was a good idea and when she woke up, she felt that huge extra again of magic. Well, she wasn't exactly awake yet... per say... |
|
^Clicketh on thy picture. =] Call me Niko-chan~ ![]() ![]()
| |
![]() |
|
| Seiss | Feb 21 2010, 09:18 AM Post #380 |
|
Tcaitacl and vlaliniy Pcrik.
|
None of the residents paid the woman any attention as she frowned at the windows of Belve’s Crown. It wasn’t because she was too plain to notice, far from it. Garbed in simple, pale brown peasant dress, she held her posture lightly, gracefully but straight and firm reminiscent of those noble born. Long, rich brown curls reached her waist and a blue ribbon tied at the back of her head kept her long fringe away from her startling, blue-gray eyes. The long sleeves of her dress were heavily wrinkled, as if she kept them rolled up most of the time. In the open palm of her right hand sat a pulsing rune stone. Unlike heartbeats, the iridescent glow that throbbed had an erratic rhythm, beating much faster than she ever thought it could. Everyone in Enfram knew her- Mirai Endorne, renowned researcher of runes, daughter of a minor landlord who was a retired advisor of the past King. And everyone knew to leave her to her thoughts when she had that intent pierce in her gaze. Like now. Shura swallowed the last piece of his bread and climbed up the stairs to pause at his charge’s door. It was late morning. He had chosen not to wake her, so she could rest. Should he let her be till noon? After all, there’s no need for the mage to come along while he bought supplies. A slight shift at the corner of his eye made him turn instinctively to face the source. His expressions froze in surprise, then melted instantly into pleasant warmth. “Mirai.” He grinned. “It’s been-“ He was prepared, though Shura had already forgotten about what he was about to say. Mirai had literally launched into a dead run, laughter bubbling up her throat as she threw herself at him. Shura caught her waist easily, and playfully ruffled her hair with his arm. She was the only girl he had ever met who didn’t sound a protest, and the only one who would still hug him after he made a mess of her hair. “You featherhead, where have you been?” She released him and took a step back to take a good look. “You’ve left me here worrying for two months!” A waver of anguish dimmed his face and he grimaced. “I- accidents,” he nearly choked and quickly cleared his throat. It felt suddenly raw. “I’ll tell you... when we are in somewhere more private.” Mirai simply stood there, face schooled to emptiness, hiding the pain she had for him. She almost dropped her mask there and then when he flinched. Knowing Shura, he must have caught it. Her hands squeezed his briefly. “At home, then,” she said soothingly. He smiled that bitter smile and she had to set her jaws so she wouldn’t break down. Abruptly, she turned around to face the door he was previously staring at. A change of subject was always good. “Something dangerous is behind that door,” she told him quietly. “Never before has this happened. Not this strongly.” Mirai lifted her right fist and opened her palm to show him the bright rune stone. It wasn’t pulsing anymore. “I’m surprised the entire researching guild hasn’t arrived to seize the inn yet.” What? Shura stared at her wide eyed, then the rune. He only blinked when she tucked the rune stone away. He reached dazedly for the door, mind whirring to churn out something. But Mirai was faster. She seized the handle and twisted it open- how she managed to open the locked door, she must have used magic. Damn it all! Hurriedly, he shoved her inside, jumped in and whipped about to secure the door. Sayuri better not be wearing that clingy silk gown. “I can explain,” he said, to the both of them, but he didn’t turn around- for decency’s sake. Mirai stood staring, perplexed. OOC: [I am not sure what Sayuri is doing D:] Edited by Seiss, Feb 21 2010, 01:19 PM.
|
|
问世间情为何物,直教生死相许? 天南地北双飞客,老翅几回寒暑。 欢乐趣,别离苦,就中更有痴儿女。 君应有语,渺万里层云, 千山暮雪,只影向谁去? 横汾路,寂寞当年箫鼓,荒烟依旧平楚。 招魂楚些何嗟及,山鬼暗啼风雨。 天也妒,未信与,莺儿燕子俱黄土。 千秋万古,为留待骚人, 狂歌痛饮,来访雁邱处。 | |
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
![]() Our users say it best: "Zetaboards is the best forum service I have ever used." |
|
| Go to Next Page | |
| « Previous Topic · Solitaire · Next Topic » |
| Track Topic · E-mail Topic |
1:09 PM Jul 11
|
[ Copy this | Start New | Full Size ]
Auspice Zeta created by sakuragi-kun of the ZBTZ










1:09 PM Jul 11